ASAJAYA: The successful completion of the multi-million ringgit Batang Sadong bridge here is testimony to the strong ties between administrations at the Federal- and state-level governments of the Barisan Nasional (BN) ruling coalition, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.
Najib, who is also the BN chairman, said only governments run by the ruling coalition are capable and committed to bringing changes and providing better futures for the people.
Unlike the BN government, Najib said the opposition pact is only good at doing nothing and engaging in provocation.
“The Batang Sadong bridge was completed below the estimated cost and can be categorised as a benchmark project similar to the Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project.
“I am proud that the project was completed two weeks ahead of schedule and RM12 million below the estimated cost of RM243 million.
“We saved RM12 million. This shows that (the Batang Sadong) project can be categorised in the same way as the MRT project I launched recently, which was cost-saving," said Najib when he officially opened the 1.48km bridge here today.
"People here don't have to deal with hassle (anymore) and they can travel and cross the bridge anytime they want to without worrying about ferry operating hours.
“Apart from (a hassle-free) journey, (travelling via the bridge is) also better in terms of safety," he added.
The project was approved by Najib during a state election walkabout in 2011, when he realised there was a need to build the bridge.
"Even though it was not in the national budget (back then), I approved it immediately. And I'm grateful and feel relief, standing in front of the bridge, knowing I had fulfilled my promise," he said.
Najib also shared his vision for Sarawak, which is to see the state furnished with two major highways.
"First, it's the Pan Borneo Highway, which is in the process (of being built). Secondly, it's the Coastal Highway, to link communities living in coastal areas with better road connections.
"Although we had approved the multi-billion ringgit Pan Borneo Highway, the government was still concerned about those living along coastal areas who are not linked and connected with the highway," he said.
"We want to make sure no one is left behind or neglected from development. Thus, we continue to build more bridges, to replace river crossings which still depend on ferry services.
“This is my vision for Sarawak in the future, in the next few years,” he added.
Najib also announced the upcoming construction of the Batang Lupar bridge. Costing RM1 billion, the Batang Lupar bridge will be funded by the Federal and State governments.
“We managed to do so much for Sarawak due to the strong ties and unity between the state and federal governments, which are in the same family (BN)," he said.